Governor general wraps up West Coast tour at 19 Wing

Gov. Gen. Julie Payette wrapped up her tour of the West Coast with a stop at 19 Wing Comox Monday morning.

The former astronaut, engineer, broadcaster and current pilot flew herself into Comox from Victoria to greet members from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron and 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron.

“She’s taking this opportunity to come up to 19 Wing to see the men and women and really get a feel for the great job they do day in and day out here,” explained Acting Wing Cmdr. Lt.-Col. Curtis Wright. “It’s a wonderful opportunity not only to see the operations that we do, but to meet the men and women who work hard every day to support Canada.”

Wright added it is the first time Payette has visited the base, and as the head of state, she is the head of the Canadian armed forces.

“We have a special place in our heart to see what we do and what we wear is on behalf of the governor general. It’s very, very thrilling to have her here today.”